KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. —A Knox County sheriff’s deputy was critically injured after being struck in the head with a blunt object while responding to a call, WBIR reported.
The June 21 incident was captured on the television series “On Patrol: Live.”
Deputy Dalton Swanger was responding to a report of gunfire when the assault occurred, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The footage shows Swanger arriving at the scene, retrieving a rifle from his vehicle, and approaching a residence with two other deputies.
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A woman at the home told officers she believed her “crazy ex” was stalking her and had fired shots from the woods nearby.
Deputies began searching the wooded area, announcing their presence and receiving shouted profanity in response, “On Patrol: Live’s” footage shows. The suspect referenced a firearm and taunted officers.
As the deputies entered the woods, a confrontation took place. Swanger was seen falling, and moments later stated he had been struck in the head.
“I got knocked out,” Swanger said in the footage. “He hit me with something hard.”
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Swanger sustained a head injury with visible bleeding. Fellow deputies pulled Swanger to safety, video shows. Though he initially said he was fine and walked with support, officials later confirmed he was in critical condition.
Deputies continued searching the area with additional personnel and a K-9 unit. A suspect was arrested on June 22. He faces multiple charges, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault on a first responder, domestic assault, firearm possession and drug offenses.
